Press archive

TÜV SÜD Japan Ltd. has issued the certificate for the functional safety for “the Green Robot”, a collaborative robot, which can work cooperatively with people developed by FANUC CORPORATION (hereinafter referred to as “FANUC”). This is the world’s first collaborative robot to have received the international standard certification for the functional safety which includes also to detect an external force. FANUC improved the prototype of this robot announced last year and officially launched a new model this April to meet market needs.

Brand-new parents, or parents-in-waiting, face a huge range of new challenges. Of course, what the new family member needs most of all is attention and loving care – but a good selection of basic equipment, like prams or strollers and bucket-type car seats, is also essential. Soft carriers are popular choices, allowing parents to carry the baby close to their bodies and providing flexibility in movement. TÜV SÜD expert Markus Tamberg reveals what to watch out for in buying and using these carrying options.

TÜV SÜD and Samsung Electronics have signed an agreement that will have the 150-year-old global services company test and certify Samsung LED lighting components targeted for European markets. Under terms of the agreement, TÜV SÜD agrees to provide services to Samsung Electronics’ customers who produce LED luminaires for European markets that include Samsung’s LED packages or modules. The new partnership was officially launched in a gala ceremony June 17th at the headquarters of TÜV SÜD Korea Ltd. in Seoul, Korea.

On May 10th, 2015, TÜV SÜD, the world's leading technical service organisation, was presented with the “Annual Best Certification Service Institution in the Energy Storage Industry” award for its contributions to the development of safe and quality energy storage systems at the recent China International Energy Storage Station Congress.

Barbecuing is more than a pastime – it’s a philosophy. The traditional open-flame cooking method has legions of fans in Germany. No wonder, then, that a current TÜV SÜD survey reveals two-thirds of barbecue enthusiasts prefer charcoal grills, with gas and electric grills also proving popular. Whatever the method chosen, an important issue is to avoid the food from becoming contaminated by undesirable substances during cooking. TÜV SÜD’s food experts have useful advice on how to achieve this.

Tyre blowouts have become extremely rare occurrences. However, despite technological progress lack of care, insufficient pressure and damage from incidents like kerb collisions may still cause a blowout. When this happens, the main priority is to keep calm and bring the vehicle to a controlled standstill. TÜV SÜD's experts have tips on how to avoid the situation from the outset.

TÜV SÜD Product Service and the state-owned Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL) updated their nearly 15 year lasting collaboration over product certification according to the IEC CB scheme for affixing the KC Mark. Within the scope of this cooperation, the testing organisations agree on the mutual recognition of test reports, offering the manufacturers of electronic devices the possibility of benefiting from easier, faster and more cost-efficient certification in the other country.

The new ISO 9001, scheduled for publication in late 2015, introduces the term “knowledge”. As knowledge was not addressed by the previous ISO 9001 standard, the depth of this topic and the approach to it are new. The ISO 9001:2015 standard defines requirements for the handling of organisational knowledge in the following four phases, which are analogous to the PDCA cycle:
1. determine the knowledge necessary for the operation of processes and for achieving conformity of products and services; 2. maintain knowledge and make it available to the extent necessary;
3. consider the current organisational knowledge and compare it to changing needs and trends; and
4. acquire the necessary additional knowledge. TÜV SÜD’s experts explain how organisations can implement these requirements and what aspects they have to consider in this context.

Within the scope of due care and diligence, all direct and indirect players in the food value chain need to reliably control food safety risks. This is done with the help of a preventive safety management system focusing on the validation and verification of the measures used. TÜV SÜD’s food experts explain which aspects to look out for and which mistakes are frequently made.

Packing the heaviest items at the bottom and securing them well are the basics of loading your vehicle correctly, according to the professionals. Motorists should heed this advice before packing and making their car ready for the holidays. Even the smallest items should be secured. TÜV SÜD gives practical tips on loading cars correctly.

TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH acquired the Belgian company TCOPlus and its affiliate FleetVision this May. By adding the international leading supplier of fleet-management software solutions to its group, TÜV SÜD is further expanding its portfolio of services in this field, underlining its goal of becoming the market leader for fleet services in Europe and beyond.

Today, the Internet is virtually a must – even on holidays. Friends and family are kept informed by holiday greetings sent via messenger services or video phone services, photos uploaded to social networks, and – in some cases – even detailed travel blogging. However, many Internet aficionados tend to forget that public hotspots in particular involve various risks.

Whitsun rings in the season of clogged motorways and increased risk of accidents. The reasons leading to crashes are frequently the same: excessive speed, inadequate distance from the car ahead, lack of attention. TÜV SÜD experts have compiled tips on correct road behaviour in holiday traffic. Heading the list are: always be prepared for traffic congestion, and always keep your eye on the cars around you even when the line is moving steadily.

The holiday season is here, and many holidaymakers are about to set off in their cars to their holiday destinations. As the boots of many cars are too small to hold all the luggage required, roof boxes are sensible additions. TÜV SÜD’s expert Günther Kahlert knows what features to look out for in a roof box and what to observe when packing.

Today, the issues of information and data security are more present than ever. IT systems are becoming increasingly complex, and new vulnerabilities are created at the interfaces where subsystems are interconnected. In addition, hacker attacks are growing increasingly professional and frequent. Given this, companies should make particularly sure to establish an effective information security management system.

Representatives of the railway sector came together on 8th April, 2015, at the conference organized by TÜV SÜD. The new technologies along with the new regulations, challenges and solutions concerning the sector were discussed with all stakeholders.

Growing strongly in 2014, TÜV SÜD set new records in revenue, earnings and headcount. Last year the international service corporation increased its revenue by over 6 per cent to almost EUR 2.061 billion (2013: EUR 1.934 billion); earnings before interest and taxes (adjusted EBIT) rose by 9 per cent year-on-year to around EUR 187 million (2013: EUR 171 million). The number of people working for the largest German TÜV organisation grew to over 22,000 employees worldwide last year.

TÜV SÜD is attending the construction of the new offshore wind farm Nordsee One about 40 kilometres off the North Sea island Juist. The international testing and certification corporation has been awarded the contract with the certification of the implementation phase by the project company Nordsee One GmbH, which is a joint venture of the Canadian Northland Power Inc. and the German RWE Innogy GmbH. This includes the monitoring of manufacturing, transport, erection/installation and commissioning until operational release according to BSH-standards.

With its international experience and its solutions that ensure safety and efficiency in the field of renewable energy, TÜV SÜD shares its knowledge about technical maintenance and security in solar panels and wind turbines at the 21st International Energy and Environment Fair and Conference (ICCI 2015) from 6 to 8 May 2015 in Istanbul, Turkey.

Itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing – springtime is pollen season. At the wheel, allergies are more than a nuisance; they are actually a safety risk, as their symptoms can weaken drivers’ concentration and dull reactions. Cabin air filters offer relief. However, few car owners change them frequently enough. Dirty filters not only impair air quality but actually increase the amount of allergens in the car. TÜV SÜD's experts have three helpful tips.

TÜV SÜD has been authorised by the Zhaga Consortium, an international industry-wide association, to provide certification of LED modules and lamp holders according to Zhaga’s specifications known as Books. The authorisation covers the certification body of TÜV SÜD Product Service in Munich and the TÜV SÜD testing laboratory in Shenzhen. The Zhaga Books provide global specifications of the size, mechanics, photometric and thermal properties to ensure interchangeability for LED modules and lamp holders. At present, TÜV SÜD offers testing and certification according to the specifications in Zhaga Books 2, 3 and 7.

TÜV SÜD Chemie Service started operations in 2005 with a total of 80 employees. This year, the company that evolved from the former in-house testing and inspection units of Bayer, Dow Olefinverbund and Hoechst will celebrate its tenth anniversary. Today, TÜV SÜD's Chemical, Oil & Gas Business Unit has over 1,200 staff, supporting the owners and operators of chemical and pharmaceutical plants at 30 industrial locations throughout the world. The secret of this growth lies in high quality, customer focus and one-stop integrated services.

In Germany, the start of a new motorbike year is heralded by the first appearance of 04 licence plates, valid from the month of April. However, to ensure a pleasurable kick-off to the new season, both machine and rider must be fit. TÜV SÜD's experts have helpful tips.

The revised ISO 9001 standard, scheduled for publication in late 2015, will bring a host of changes for organisations. The new standard, for example, no longer includes the clause requiring top management to appoint a quality management representative (QMR). However, this change does not mean that the role of QMR will become superfluous. In fact, the function will be embedded in a more supportive environment, as the new standard assigns more responsibility to top management. TÜV SÜD’s experts know the new requirements to which organisations should start adjusting now.

With effect from 1 April, Axel Bischopink (46) has been appointed new CEO of TÜV SÜD Auto Plus GmbH. He replaces Patrick Fruth, who has taken over the position of CEO of TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH. The primary goal of the new CEO, who previously headed the company’s Consulting department, is to further strengthen international key accounts.

Stefan Herzog (50) is the new Head of Sales of TÜV SÜD Auto Service GmbH. He succeeds Oliver Philipp Cristinetti, who left the company at his own request. As a renowned car expert, Herzog has been a member of the Board of Management of TÜV SÜD Auto Plus GmbH since last July and most recently assumed responsibility for key account management. The focus of his activities is to strengthen TÜV SÜD’s position as an innovative and reliable supplier of solutions for all customer requirements.

Owners of convertibles are now eagerly awaiting the spring weather – and with it, their first open-topped drive in the sunshine. A little time for a few simple actions, a little tender loving care, and you’re off – providing the car is in good shape. The experts at TÜV SÜD know what to look out for.

As this year’s sub-zero temperatures and snow at Easter have shown, the general rule of thumb of ‘Easter to October’ applied to the changeover times for winter tyres is based on sound experience. However, it is now high time to change to summer tyres. TÜV SÜD’s experts have some helpful tips.

TÜV SÜD Chemie Service will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of services for safe, reliable and cost-effective process facilities at ACHEMA 2015, held in Frankfurt/Main from 15 to 19 June 2015 (Hall 9.1, Stand C39). In addition, the experts from the international service provider will feature in the programme of this flagship trade fair for the process industry, presenting a total of six technical talks on topics extending from failure analysis and process safety to materials technology.

Information and communication technology are finding their way into production. In Industry 4.0, smart factories offer an opportunity for improving the quality, efficiency and flexibility of production. However, the increasing interconnectivity of production systems and processing of large volumes of data also present new challenges to industry. Intelligent production systems are more vulnerable to malicious attacks, sabotage and espionage. In a white paper entitled “Managing Security, Safety and Privacy in Smart Factories”, Munich Network and TÜV SÜD have now summarised the current level of knowledge, providing management guidance for companies that wish to transform their traditional plants into smart factories.

The international provider of testing and certification services, TÜV SÜD, has brought type certification of the wind turbine DF110-2500, manufactured by the Chinese company Dongfang Electric New Energy Equipment Co. Ltd. in Hangzhou, to a successful conclusion. The type certificate is one of the prerequisites for the turbine’s export to international markets.

Effective from 1 April, André Krauß is the new Chief Financial Officer of the TÜV SÜD Management Service Division. In this function, he is responsible for commercial management of the Division at international level. The TÜV SÜD Management Service Division provides auditing and certification of management systems throughout the world and supports clients with solutions aimed at improving quality, risks and IT security. The Division focuses on management systems in the fields of quality, the environment, energy, risk and IT security implemented in organisations across all sectors of industry.

TÜV SÜD, the international provider of testing and certification services, will advise Stadtwerke Japan, a new subsidiary of Japanese West Holdings Corporation. The two parties signed a contract to this effect in Tokyo in March 2015. Limited to an initial term of one year, the consultancy services will cover topics such as new business models, distributed energy supply and assessment of technology options.

Strawberries in January, apples in May: according to 40 per cent of consumers interviewed in a current TÜV SÜD survey, the traditional time of harvest no longer seems to play a role in the availability of many types of fruits and vegetables in Germany. The respondents stated that for them, enjoying fruits and vegetables all year round and not just in their season was very important or important. TÜV SÜD’s experts explain how the ripening process can be speeded up and how consumers can best store and handle fruits that have undergone controlled ripening.

Seventeen new hydrogen refuelling stations have opened throughout the world in 2014. As of March 2015, the total number of hydrogen refuelling stations in operation is 184. This is the result of the seventh annual assessment by H2stations.org, a website of Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik (LBST) and TÜV SÜD. Several countries are planning a targeted development of their hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. As a result, the number of publicly accessible stations will increase further.

With effect from 20 April 2016, only equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres with a declaration of conformity in accordance with ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU may be placed on the EU market. All certificates issued by Notified Bodies in accordance with Directive 94/9/EC, which has been applicable to date, will remain effective. TÜV SÜD will provide information about the content and the pitfalls of the new Directive in four events at Munich on 4 May, Hamburg on 5 May, Stuttgart on 6 May and Frankfurt a.M. on 7 May. Further information can be found at www.tuev-sued.de/ATEX-Roadshow.

The German testing and certification corporation, TÜV SÜD, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art leather and leather product testing laboratory at Ranipet in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The new laboratory offers a complete gamut of services ranging from REACH, ROHS, analytical and physical services to mechanical services for leather and footwear products. It is the fourteenth laboratory of TÜV SÜD in India.

The days are getting longer and the birds have started chirping again, sure signs that spring is round the corner. With the first rays of sunshine, most of us dig out our bicycles, garden furniture and other hot-weather items to get them ready for the summer. Bringing patios, cars and house façades up to scratch after the winter weather is also a good idea, and using a high-pressure washer is the easiest and best way to do so. TÜV SÜD’s product experts have some tips for buying and using this type of cleaning equipment.

The final version of the revised standard for quality management systems is scheduled for release by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) in autumn 2015. Many organisations have already started to address the expected changes, which are aimed at strengthening the benefits of quality management. To optimise their own processes they need to determine their status quo and identify approaches for introducing improvement. TÜV SÜD's experts provide information about how organisations can identify the maturity of their processes and initiate changes.

Improved basis for comparison, more practical relevance, a single standard for all: these are the objectives of the Worldwide harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedures, also known by its abbreviation WLTP. This new global emissions and fuel consumption standard will be introduced gradually throughout the EU and many other countries from 2017 onwards, and will replace the EU’s New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) as the standard applied in type approval procedures for new vehicle models. But what exactly does the new standard examine? What are the main differences? Who is participating? These and more questions are answered by the experts from TÜV SÜD and TÜV Hessen, two of the largest providers of testing and inspection services for ensuring the legal compliance of vehicles (homologation).

The future of rail transport in Turkey is the focus topic of a technical event organised by TÜV SÜD in Istanbul on 8 April 2015. Speakers from scientific and economic bodies, including Istanbul University and Turkey’s Directorate-General of Railway Transport Regulation (DDGM), and from the international technical services company TÜV SÜD will provide information about new legal requirements, challenges and solutions in the rail sector.

At Hannover Messe 2015, TÜV SÜD will present its portfolio of services for the reliability and safety of smart manufacturing. Focus topics at the trade fair stand shared by TÜV SÜD and the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz, DFKI) are the development of the Industry 4.0 demonstrator and a new application standard. TÜV SÜD combines just under 150 years of experience in industry with cutting-edge knowledge of functional safety and industrial IT security (Hall 8, Stand D20).

Companies deal with confidential data as part of their daily routine, so that a high level of information security is a must. However, achieving this high level of security is only partly down to technical measures; the necessary management processes involved are frequently underestimated. The ISO 27001 management system standard provides a useful basis for a well-balanced information security system. TÜV SÜD’s experts are familiar with the implementation of such systems and the critical success factors they involve.

TÜV SÜD Japan Ltd. is now authorised to provide marketing certification services for designated Specially Controlled Medical Devices (Class III medical devices). The company is one of the only two Registered Certification Bodies (RCB) in the market authorized to conduct marketing certification for Class III Medical Devices designated by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW). The certification criteria have been specified along with the implementation of the Act on Securing Quality, Efficacy and Safety of Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Regenerative and Cellular Therapy Products, Gene Therapy Products, and Cosmetics (PMD Act).

In the field of energy politics Taiwan pursues a long-term strategy in order to reduce CO2 emissions. One part of this strategy is the development and expansion of power generation in offshore wind farms. On behalf of MIRDC (Metal Industries Research & Development Center), TÜV SÜD is carrying out an extensive training program regarding offshore wind energy for representatives of authorities and market participants.

The new Food Information Regulation, which came into effect in Germany in November 2014, now requires allergen labelling even for non-prepacked foods (VorlLMIEV – Provisional Additional Ordinance on the Provision of Food Information). Since the introduction of the regulation, supermarket counters and restaurants have displayed a host of information in a variety of forms. The experts at TÜV SÜD explain what the specific requirements of the new law involves and how allergens must be declared.

The winter season is a tough test for car systems and technology. As well as ensuring the various fluids in the vehicle are well topped up with anti-freeze, drivers must also pay attention to the paintwork and underbody. TÜV SÜD’s experts have tips for winter car care.

Gradients, uphill climbs, tight corners – tackling wintry terrain confronts both motorists and their vehicles with an exceptional range of challenges. When oncoming vehicles force drivers to stop on narrow mountain passes, or even move over to the edge of a dizzying drop, the watchword is to keep calm and be particularly vigilant behind the wheel. TÜV SÜD’s experts have tips on correct driving.

New year, new resolutions – many of which focus on increasing the exercise we take. Anyone seeking to drop a few kilos and/or improve their overall fitness levels will find the market is overflowing with equipment designed for their own four walls. TÜV SÜD’s product experts can advise on choosing the right equipment to make sure you reach your fitness goals – at last.

Services for the long-term value and sustainability of real estate will be the focus of the TÜV SÜD stand at MIPIM 2015 in Cannes. The portfolio of services presented will span property valuation reports, due diligence services, sustainability consultancy, asset management and property management, MEP consulting and construction quality control (Munich stand Riviera7, R7.G16).

As procurement and supply chains in the food industry become ever more complex, companies are compelled to implement appropriate safety standards to ensure food quality remains consistently high throughout the entire process chain and prevent product recalls. At the Global Food Safety Conference, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 3 – 5 March 2015, the food experts from TÜV SÜD will provide information on how companies can comply with quality regulations throughout the entire value chain.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can now apply to the German Office of Economics and Export Control (Bundesamt für Wirtschaft und Ausfuhrkontrolle, BAFA) for financial support for consulting services on the European Chemicals Regulation REACH, provided by a recognised REACH consultant. TÜV SÜD is recognised by BAFA as a REACH consultant and offers this type of consulting services within the framework of its SME initiative.

When country side-roads are deeply covered in snow, even the best winter tyres will reach their limits. Snow chains are the answer in this situation. The experts at TÜV SÜD provide an overview of the various models, with tips on choosing and using them.

TÜV SÜD is expanding its certification services in food safety to the Czech Republic. The foreign legal entity of TÜV SÜD Czech successfully passed the accreditation process and is thus now authorised to carry out certification in accordance with the IFS standard.

TÜV SÜD now offers an e-book outlining the key requirements for global market approval for manufacturers, retailers and importers of electrical and electronic products. New products need to meet the different requirements of various target markets in order to be launched as quickly as possible in many markets. This new guide published by TÜV SÜD aims to help stakeholders to reach this goal quickly and cost-effectively. The free e-book can be downloaded from www.tuv-sud.com/gmaguide.

Wearable Technologies market is booming. With consumers wearing devices 24 hours and 7 days a week, personal safety becomes crucial. Therefore the leading international testing company TÜV SÜD and the Wearable Technologies Group (WT) are teaming up to offer worldwide testing services for various kinds of wearable products. The service will be launched during the upcoming WT Conference in Munich on 2 and 3 February 2015.

TÜV SÜD has once again been voted into the “Encyclopedia of German Global Market Leaders”. The volume’s 700-plus pages present German companies that are among the global leaders in their sectors of industry.

The food we buy all too frequently lands in the bin. TÜV SÜD recently conducted a survey of 500 households to investigate the reasons behind this food waste. Respondents gave the main causes in their own households as buying excessive quantities when shopping and storing the food for too long. TÜV SÜD’s experts have tips on avoiding the problem.

TÜV SÜD do Brasil has been approved by Brazil's main national accreditation body, INMETRO (National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology), as a certification body for household appliances, automotive components and wheels. TÜV SÜD Brazil has thus expanded the scope of its existing INMETRO accreditations covering certification of toys, medical devices and tyres. “The wider scope of our INMETRO accreditation now enables us to offer even more comprehensive support to manufacturers that wish to place their products on the Brazilian market”, emphasises Sergio Mello, CEO of TÜV SÜD do Brasil.

Shortly after 1 pm on 28 January 1865, a steam boiler exploded in the Aktienbrauerei, a Mannheim brewery. The accident rocked the city, claiming one life and injuring four. Caused by insufficient water levels, excessive pressure and poor maintenance, it jolted local steam boiler operators into establishing an organisation aimed at increasing the safety of technical plants and systems. The “Association for Supervision and Insurance of Steam Boilers, domiciled in Mannheim”, the predecessor to today’s TÜV SÜD, was founded in 1866. In the 150 years since then, the concept of an independent and impartial testing organisation has become firmly anchored throughout the world. Today, TÜV SÜD has around 22,000 employees and a global network of operations – while remaining true to its roots. The company applies high-calibre expertise to test technologies and products and ensure they are reliable, safe and sustainable.

Winterised diesel is now on sale at the pumps of fuel stations. Its special additives protect the fuel from increasing in viscosity during cold weather and preventing it from being pumped to the engine. Car drivers once mixed petrol with diesel to improve fuel flow in sub-zero temperatures – but this may cause major damage to today’s engines, warn the experts at TÜV SÜD. They offer some tips about driving with diesel in the winter months.

Leading international experts on in-car safety for children came together for the twelfth Protection of Children in Cars Conference, regarded as the world’s most important forum for exchanging the latest research findings. The roughly 160 attendees of the two-day event, held at TÜV SÜD’s corporate headquarters in Munich, represented sectors spanning car manufacturing, official institutions, insurance companies and specialist industry associations.

Anyone with a passion for exploring the backcountry on alpine touring skis or snowshoes must also address the issue of avalanche safety gear. Beacon, probe, avalanche backpack, shovel – which equipment is necessary and what aspects should potential buyers look out for? TÜV SÜD's sports equipment experts give some insights.

TÜV SÜD is reinforcing its focus on food safety. On 1 January 2015 Dr Ron Wacker took over international responsibility for the new Food, Health & Beauty Business Unit of TÜV SÜD Product Service Division. This business unit combines TÜV SÜD’s complete range of services throughout the supply chain, such as laboratory analyses, certifications, inspections and audits.

The food industry is facing major challenges brought about by political developments, customer expectations and global sourcing. To protect the reputation and success of your company, you need to meet the full extent of safety and quality requirements along the value chain. At the Food Safety Congress, to be held in Berlin on 24 and 25 February 2015, experts including Dr Andreas Daxenberger from TÜV SÜD Management Service GmbH will speak on issues related to food safety.

At EWEA Offshore 2015 in Copenhagen, TÜV SÜD will present its portfolio of services for the offshore wind industry. The international service provider assists designers, operators and manufacturers in the offshore wind sector by supplying comprehensive and customised testing, certification and inspection services (Hall E, Stand E-C7).

Changes in European and international standards will be the topic of interest at the Spielwarenmesse, the international toy fair in Nuremberg. The revised EN 71-1 and EN 62115 standards have been released, and publication of the prEN 71-14 on the safety of trampolines is forthcoming. China, too, is introducing stricter regulations for toy imports in its revised standard GB 6675. At the trade fair, the TÜV SÜD toy professionals will present their international service portfolio and answer practical questions asked by EU manufacturers, importers, retailers and authorised representatives. TÜV SÜD can be found in Hall 11.1, Stand F-01/G-02.

The EU Commission plans to introduce significant changes to the European type approval procedure for vehicles and their components. This was one of the topics dominating a symposium organised by TÜV SÜD Akademie in late November. At the "Homologation" symposium, TÜV SÜD offers a platform for international experts. Over 130 professionals – representatives from industry and regulatory bodies – met at TÜV SÜD's corporate headquarters in Munich. The most important topics and results are summarised below.

Fir, pine or spruce – whatever your favourite type of Christmas tree, the safest way to transport it is in the boot. However, many Christmas trees have to be transported on the car roof if boot space is lacking. Whether the festive freight is packed into the boot or strapped to the roof, some safety precautions should be taken. TÜV SÜD's experts have helpful tips.

With effect from 1 February 2015, the Supervisory Board of TÜV SÜD AG has appointed Klemens Schmiederer to the company's Board of Management. The 55-year-old engineering graduate, who has in-depth knowledge of the global automobile industry, will be responsible for the Mobility Segment on the Board of Management of Germany's leading TÜV organisation. In this position, he will succeed Horst Schneider who will retire at the end of April 2015.

Effective immediately, TÜV SÜD PSB – TÜV SÜD’s subsidiary for testing and certification services in Singapore – and the state-owned Korea Testing Laboratory (KTL) will collaborate over product certification according to the IEC CB scheme for affixing the KC Mark. Within the scope of this cooperation, the testing organisations have agreed on the mutual recognition of test reports, offering the manufacturers of electronic devices the possibility of benefiting from easier, faster and more cost-efficient certification in the other country.

Anti-freeze: check. Winter tyres: check. When the first snowfall comes along, the vehicle is usually well prepared – but drivers often are not, as spikes in levels of road congestion and bodywork damage amply prove year after year in the first few days of frost and sleet. Hectic festive timetables only make the problem worse. TÜV SÜD’s experts have tips on safe, secure driving in the winter cold.

In the course of the past 25 years, TÜV SÜD has issued around 500,000 product certificates. More than 4,500 experts in the Product Service Division of the international technical services provider carry out tests and analyses to benefit consumers by bringing them safe and reliable products. Demand for product testing and certification services has risen steadily over the past 25 years. TÜV SÜD has also continuously expanded its portfolio of services by adding areas such as analysis of food products. TÜV SÜD has partnered businesses to achieve their safety, quality and sustainability objectives while facilitating their access to global markets and managing their risks across the entire supply chain.

Frantically searching for the ice-scraper while running late for work, or forgetting to apply grease to the door seals before they freeze solid: to avoid a hectic start to the first truly cold winter days, it’s high time for drivers to prepare for the cold season now. TÜV SÜD experts have compiled a list of tips.

At E-world 2015 (Hall 1, Stand 322), TÜV SÜD will present a comprehensive portfolio of services for the certification of renewable energy products. The theme of TÜV SÜD's stand at the trade fair is "Green electricity, biomethane and green hydrogen – Secure chain of custody from source to point of use". Another focus area will be the new certification product, "Renewable Energy Pioneers". E-world will take place in Essen between 10 and 12 February 2015.

Indian energy provider MP Power Generation Company Ltd. commissioned the international technical services company TÜV SÜD to carry out extensive assessment of a thermal power station in the federal state of Madhya Pradesh. The contract is part of a comprehensive project initiated by the Indian Central Electricity Agency (CEA) in 2013 for the renovation and modernisation of thermal power stations. Within the scope of this project, over 50 conventional power stations will be fundamentally renovated and modernised by 2016 alone.

To meet the demands of the growing global population, food production throughout the world must double by 2050. New sources of protein are raising high hopes, not least because some of them offer more favourable use of natural resources. TÜV SÜD's experts provide background information on products based on soy, lupins, insects and other new sources of protein.

TÜV SÜD America is one of the first auditing organisations (certification bodies) to become authorised by the MDSAP Regulatory Authority Council (RAC) Pilot Consortium to carry out audits within the MDSAP pilot project. The Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) is designed to develop a standard for quality management audits at the manufacturers of medical devices that is mutually recognised by several countries. TÜV SÜD started to carry out audits under the MDSAP programme in October 2014.

TÜV SÜD has opened its new testing centre in Shenzhen. The new location expands the company’s laboratory space to over 10,000 sqm. The testing centre accommodates four testing laboratories for electrical and electronic products (E&E), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), toys and chemical testing. The centre has various testing capabilities for electrical equipment and machinery, shoes, textiles, toys and products for children as well as medical devices, thus covering all sectors in which Guangdong’s manufacturing industry has traditionally played a strong role.

Today’s vehicle engines no longer need frequent oil changes; intervals of up to 30,000 kilometres between changes are common. But as the service life of engine oil has lengthened, the requirements imposed on the lubricant have likewise become more complex. Many engines can only be operated using synthetic oils, and manufacturers’ specifications must be obeyed to the letter. The experts at TÜV SÜD have listed the ins and outs of modern oil usage.

The Annual Report of the TÜV SÜD Group is the "Best Annual Report 2013". A jury of experts voted the publication into first place in the renowned Private Public Award. The competition included the 250 leading family- and foundation-owned companies in terms of revenue. The Private Public Award is organised by ergo kommunikation and the accounting company PKF.

Effective immediately, TÜV SÜD Japan Ltd. is now a partner of ESPEC Cooperation, a leading manufacturer and operator of environmental test chambers in Japan. In this field, ESPEC and TÜV SÜD are currently expanding ESPEC's existing battery laboratory into a one-stop test centre for large-sized battery systems. The objective is to offer a full range of tests for drive batteries of electric cars, making Japan a further location in TÜV SÜD's international network of battery laboratories.

Autumn and fog go hand in hand. Fog lights illuminate the edge of the road more effectively and help drivers to steer more safely through the thickest pea-soupers. Unlike rear fog lamps, they are not mandatory by law and thus are not part of every car’s standard features; however, they are generally easy to retrofit. TÜV SÜD’s experts have five tips for drivers.

TÜV SÜD now provides quick and easy access to information on product certificates via a QR code. The underlying information, such as the certificate’s period of validity, the standards and certification criteria are stored in a database. TÜV SÜD as international provider of testing and certification services has already issued several hundred certificates with QR code and counterfeit-proof hologram.

TÜV SÜD will accompany the construction of the new "Sandbank" offshore wind farm located around 90 km off the island of Sylt, providing manufacturing inspection and quality assurance services for the project. The international testing and certification company has won the contract for the certification of the implementation phase, involving production monitoring according to the BSH standard. Within the scope of the contract, TÜV SÜD's offshore wind professionals will inspect the foundations, the wind turbines, the sub-stations and the internal cabling at the wind farm.

The international quality and safety solutions provider TÜV SÜD supports manufacturers of LED and battery products all over the world in meeting the safety standards of the Japanese market. Following recognition by the Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA), TÜV SÜD can now provide the relevant product testing services for the S-JQA Mark.

The winner of the 2015 TÜV Report is … vehicle safety. The fault rate has fallen for the first time in years – by 1.4 per cent, to 23.5 per cent. This is the key message of the
2015 TÜV Report presented by the Association of German TÜV Organisations (VdTÜV). For TÜV SÜD's experts the lower fault rate is a clear indicator of improved servicing and maintenance and of the higher quality of new vehicles. On the winner's podium, the 'Golden Sticker' for Best Car goes to the Mercedes SLK with a fault rate of 2.4 per cent, the lowest fault rate of all time. Defective lights continue to head the list of faults.

TÜV SÜD Japan Ltd., the internationally renowned third party provider of safety, quality and sustainability solutions has just announced a business alliance with ESPEC Corporation (ESPEC) on October 10. The two companies will cooperate in the provision of safety testing, type approval services and knowledge services for vehicle-mounted battery packs, modules, and energy storage devices. This enables TÜV SÜD to leverage ESPEC’s Energy Device Environmental Test Center and provide customers with one-stop type approval service in accordance with UN Regulation ECE-R100, Series 2, Part II. This alliance will complement TÜV SÜD’s existing global network of battery test labs across US, Canada and Germany, and boost TÜV SÜD’s competence to offer a holistic portfolio to all major markets globally.

TÜV SÜD's medical devices experts from numerous countries will be at Medica in Duesseldorf from 12 to 15 November 2014. The topics at TÜV SÜD's stand (Hall 10, Stand C12) range from the Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) to unannounced audits at the manufacturers of medical devices and changes in the registration procedures in Japan and China.

Due to the mild winter, the honey year now nearing its end was at least not a bad one. In honey-loving Germany the sweet treat produced by bees is urgently needed, as two-thirds of all Germans eat honey regularly. With a per-capita consumption of 1 kg per year, Germany is one of the world's biggest honey consumers. Honey buyers place great value on regionally produced honey. TÜV SÜD's experts explain what the term involves.

Convertibles, vintage or modern classic cars and other seasonal vehicles are now heading for their winter hibernation. By taking the time to ‘put them to bed’ properly, drivers can save themselves work in spring – and may also find it easier to restart their vehicles. TÜV SÜD’s experts have valuable tips.

The time for winter tyres is here. But drivers should first check whether they need new winter tyres before starting to fit their existing models. If the tread depth is only slightly deeper than the four millimetres recommended by TÜV SÜD, a new purchase can have numerous benefits. Winter tyre technology has made enormous strides in recent years; modern tyres now achieve significantly shorter braking distances on snow and ice and have far lower levels of drive-by noise.

Drivers tend to buy new windscreen wiper blades on an average of every two years. So are the present blades still delivering reliable service, or is a new purchase needed to ensure good visibility? A careful look at wiper blades is advisable now before winter sets in. TÜV SÜD has practical tips.

The days are getting shorter, and many commuters now make their morning and evening journeys almost entirely in the dark. As if the restricted visibility resulting from this change were not bad enough, it is also accompanied by the first days of frost and fog. We frequently underestimate the slippery road conditions caused by autumn leaves or mud from the tyres of agricultural vehicles bringing in the harvest. TÜV SÜD’s experts have some tips on how to avoid slipping and sliding through the autumn.

Battery safety, charging infrastructure, periodic roadworthiness inspections, hydrogen technology – TÜV SÜD will present its full range of services related to alternative drive systems at the sixth eCarTec, the leading trade show for electric vehicles and electromobility, held in Munich from 21 – 23 October 2014. At TÜV SÜD’s stand number 410 in Hall A5, focal topics will be the global network of battery testing centres and harmonisation plans for international battery safety regulations. On the latter subject, Christian Theeck, Project and Sales Manager at TÜV SÜD Battery Testing GmbH, will present a technical paper on the UN ECE-R 100 standard at the International Conference for Electric & Hybrid Mobility, held during eCarTec.

As the number of electrified and electric vehicles is rising, so are the relevant infrastructure and safety-related requirements. Plugs and in-cable control boxes (ICCBs) without cable management systems, for example, need to fulfil a host of safety requirements. In particular, damage caused by vehicles that drive over plugs or ICCBs is to be avoided. In a new test method, TÜV SÜD now tests plugs and ICCBs for their safety and conformity with the applicable directives and standards.

Made from apples, pears or cherries, from exotic or regional fruit – fruit juices enjoy a healthy reputation and are rich in valuable nutrients. However, juice quality differs greatly. TÜV SÜD's food experts provide information on which quality criteria to look out for.

Industrial automation is making the world grow smaller – and more interconnected. TÜV SÜD supports the manufacturers of systems and components, helping them to meet the requirements of international markets. Testing and certification in non-European markets form the focus topic at TÜV SÜD's stand at this year's SPS IPC Drives. The CB Scheme, also offered by TÜV SÜD, opens the door to all important certification marks worldwide. The SPS IPC Drives trade fair will take place in Nuremberg from 25 to 27 November 2014. TÜV SÜD can be found in Hall 4, Stand 521.

TÜV SÜD is stepping up its activities in chain-of-custody certification of wood and paper products on the German market, responding to strong demand from companies seeking to gain competitive edge in this market. TÜV SÜD, through its accredited certification body in Prague, carries out audits in the wood processing and paper industry, in the print sector and at furniture manufacturers, verifying that the wood material used in products comes from legal sources and responsibly managed forests. Following successful auditing, TÜV SÜD awards the FSC® and PEFC certification marks.

TÜV SÜD ImmoWert GmbH offers Green Valuation market value reports that include additional information on sustainability. Within the scope of periodic property valuation, the data of commercial properties are collected and evaluated in accordance with the leading sustainability standard – the German version of BREEAM International In-Use, called BREEAM DE Bestand (Part 1 Buildings).

From 2015, TÜV SÜD will provide support services for the complete line of end-of-contract MAN vehicles from buyback options, lease contracts and traded-in trucks and coaches. TÜV SÜD’s specialist area of end-of-contract processes designed with a modular structure, tailored to customers’ needs yet standardised in many respects, forms a focus of the company’s presence at the IAA Commercial Vehicles trade fair, held in Hanover from 25 September to 2 October 2014.

TÜV SÜD has acquired the Ankara-based Turkish company TEKKON A.S., a provider of specialist services in the fields of quality assurance and quality control, non-destructive testing and inspections. The acquisition represents a further expansion of TÜV SÜD’s portfolio of industrial services in Turkey. The company is primarily known there for the vehicle roadworthiness tests supplied by TÜVTÜRK, a joint venture of TÜV SÜD, Doğuş Holding and Bridgepoint, and for testing and certification of industrial pressure equipment.

Synapticon GmbH is the winner of the first TÜV SÜD Innovation Award for Digitized Industries. International testing and certification organisation TÜV SÜD presents the award to companies that develop highly promising Industry 4.0 solutions. The TÜV SÜD Innovation Award for Digitized Industries was presented at the Smart Factory Innovation Forum in Munich.

TÜV SÜD Danmark and Vanaheim AB have signed an agreement of future cooperation in the Scandinavian Rail market. The two leading companies, the Swedish based Vanaheim AB and TÜV SÜD Danmark, market providers of independent safety assessments and Notified Body certification services for customers in the Rail market since 2002, will start this journey of combining forces to the benefit of our Rail customers.

TÜV SÜD now holds CBTL accreditation and can offer testing and certification of power tools in accordance with the international standard IEC 62841-1. The new standard deals with the safety requirements for drills, lawnmowers and other power tools. Successful conformity assessment facilitates market entry, thus benefiting manufacturers. TÜV SÜD’s testing laboratory is the first laboratory in Germany to offer conformity assessment according to IEC 62841-1.

The locomotive Vectron DE, made by Siemens, is the first rail vehicle assessed by TÜV SÜD Rail in accordance with the new MoU – Memorandum of Understanding – on the new approval procedure. The expert organisation can now offer one-stop certification.

When it comes to appraising leased commercial vehicles on their return, truck manufacturers rely on independent partners. Modular, customised yet largely standardised end-of-contract processes are TÜV SÜD's speciality and will be a focus topic at the IAA Commercial Vehicles motor show to be held in Hanover from 25 September to 2 October 2014. Under the heading "Big Things on the Move", TÜV SÜD's truck experts will showcase their entire service portfolio for this industry – from certification and fleet management to driver qualifications and automotive services (Hall 13, Stand G22).

As new technical innovations and requirements emerge in the field of refrigeration, ventilation and air-conditioning technology, operators of such systems increasingly face the need to take action. Manufacturers are confronted with the challenge of establishing a distinctive profile for themselves that singles them out from their competitors. TÜV SÜD provides independent, impartial expert reports on products that serve as an additional basis of information for making investment decisions. The company will present its extensive range of services at Chillventa 2014, the trade show for the refrigeration, air-conditioning, ventilation and heat pump industry, held in Nuremberg from 14 to 16 October (Halle1, Stand 313).

PMSS America, Inc., the US division of leading global renewable energy consulting firm TÜV SÜD PMSS, has announced the appointment of Doug Pfeister to the role of Senior Vice President as the firm gears up in response to further growth in the US offshore wind industry.

Every hour and every day that a truck is unable to hit the road because of a fault or breakdown costs the owner money. While good maintenance generally helps to avoid fault-related downtime, the concept of preventive repair goes one step further – by replacing parts before they reach the critical stage of their life cycle. TÜV SÜD supports haulage companies and workshops in defining which components to replace and when.

The used truck trade is moving into the fast lane, particularly for lighter vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes. When business is booming, everybody benefits – including purchasers. So is this the right time to buy? In times of economic uncertainty, filling gaps in the fleet with used vehicles can be a wise move, even where heavy trucks are concerned. But excellent technical knowledge is a must if the strategy of purchasing second-hand trucks is to be successful. TÜV SÜD’s experts have listed five important tips.

Patrick Fruth (41) will be the new Head of the Auto Service Division of TÜV SÜD AG from 15 September 2014, taking over the helm from long-standing CEO Bernhard Kerscher (54), who is staying at TÜV SÜD AG as Head of the Industry Service division. Formerly Managing Director of TÜV SÜD Auto Plus GmbH, Fruth has extensive experience in both the commercial and production side of the automotive sector at national and international level.

An experienced manager for one of TÜV SÜD’s most extensive areas of operation: Bernhard Kerscher (54) has been appointed the new Head of the Industry Service Division, with effect from 15 September 2014. The Industry Service Division employs over 4,700 staff worldwide and generated sales exceeding 550 million euros in 2013.

Professor Dr Peter Schaff, Chief Executive Officer of the Management Service Division of TÜV SÜD AG, has been appointed Chairman of the Independent International Organisation for Certification (IIOC). The IIOC members elect a new chairman every two years.

Investors with extensive real-estate portfolios must pay particular attention to establishing a reliable structure in which to organise data on technical systems such as lifts, air-conditioning systems or fire protection. TÜV SÜD offers Objektbrief TGA, a Web-based data documentation system for this purpose. At the Expo Real real-estate trade show, the experts will demonstrate how planning and legal certainty can be improved and the efficiency and availability of systems in operation enhanced (Hall C1, Stand C1.322).

The International Standards Organization (ISO) is currently reviewing ISO 9001, its standard for quality management systems. A draft version of the new standard is already available; publication of the final version is scheduled for September 2015. The new draft is designed to increase the attractiveness of the standard and its applicability in the service industry. Companies are advised to upgrade to the new standard from autumn 2015 in periodic recertification audits. The experts at TÜV SÜD explain the changes that will result and how to deal with them.

TÜV SÜD PMSS, an experienced offshore wind consultancy firm, and part of the TÜV SÜD group – one of the world’s leading technical services corporations – has successfully completed a number of key project milestones on behalf of the developer, as the largest Dutch nearshore wind farm reaches financial close.

At Expo Real 2014, TÜV SÜD and IndustrialPort will present the revised second edition of the German Market Report on Industrial Properties (Marktreport Industrieimmobilien). The detailed analysis provides a Germany-wide overview of storage, logistics and production units with modern fit-out quality. Together with the first edition of 2013, which listed properties with functional fit-out standards, the new report forms an up-to-date overall picture of Germany’s industrial property market. (Hall C1, Stand C1.322).

The 6th China Third-party Testing Laboratory Development Forum and Exhibition (TESTLAB) took place in Sofitel Luxury Hotel, Wanda Beijing on August 27-29, 2014. TÜV SÜD, a global leading quality and safety solutions provider, was invited to attend the forum. Dr. – Ing. Axel Stepken, Chairman of the Board of Management, TÜV SÜD, addressed the participants on Day 2 of the event. In his speech, Dr. Stepken highlighted the global trend to reform the testing, inspection and certification industry, drawing examples from TÜV SÜD’s experience in Germany, Turkey, UK and Singapore. He also provided his analysis on the future development of the Chinese market.

In September 2013, the EU Commission published a Recommendation on the audits and assessments performed by Notified Bodies in the field of medical devices. A key aspect of this Recommendation is the mandatory requirement of unannounced audits for all manufacturers. In a free brochure, TÜV SÜD provides answers to the most frequent questions asked by manufacturers on this issue.

Today’s consumers buy most of their foods pre-packaged. Food manufacturers are required by law to sell only foods that are not injurious to health. Food safety is an essential obligation. The experts at TÜV SÜD demonstrate that this applies as much to global food markets as to small-scale local and regional markets; they conduct global testing of foods, but also food packaging and all types of objects and materials that come into contact with foods.

Direct or indirect, standard equipment or retrofitted – tyre pressure monitoring systems can prevent accidents and help the environment. They will be obligatory on all newly registered cars throughout the EU from this November. But what’s good for new cars is also effective with used vehicles too. TÜV SÜD’s experts provide an overview of available systems and tips for retrofitting.

TÜV SÜD announces the strategic acquisition of RCI Consultants Inc., located in Houston, Texas, thus expanding its suite of services for the oil and gas industries. RCI Consultants specialise in consultancy services, assisting their clients in development, construction, and installation of production facilities as well as long-distance transportation pipelines utilized for the oil and natural gas industries.

The worldwide expansion of renewable energy and distributed energy production is also driving the development of stationary battery energy storage systems. TÜV SÜD's new Renewable Energy Storage Systems (RESS) certificate now enables stakeholders to demonstrate the safety and performance of these systems and improves transparency in this high-growth market.

TÜV SÜD supports logistics companies, freight carriers and automotive manufacturers by supplying a broad range of services designed to help them use and develop their vehicles with the maximum safety and efficiency. Under the heading of “Big Things On the Move”, the experts will present their services in the fields of appraisal management, fleet management, driver qualification, type approval and certification at the IAA Commercial Vehicles exhibition in Hanover from 25 September to 2 October 2014 (Hall 13, Stand G22).

Automotive suppliers must fulfil strict quality standards imposed by automobile manufacturers – and TÜV SÜD helps them to do so by providing a broad range of services worldwide. At the International Suppliers Fair (IZB), held in Wolfsburg from 14 to 16 October 2014, the experts will present their services spanning tank and cooling systems, tyres and wheels, environmental simulation, electromagnetic compatibility and electromobility (Hall 2, Stand 2208).

In summer, drivers can quickly find their view of the road impaired by a carpet of dead insects on the windscreen – sometimes after driving less than 100 kilometres. They may find their windscreen wipers are unable to cope, often because the washer system still contains the winter’s anti-freeze, which is not suitable for removing dead insects. TÜV SÜD’s experts have tips that clear the view in summer.

Helmet, overalls, boots, gloves – these days, most motorcyclists are aware that choosing the right coveralls involves far more than just covering up. Even in summer, bikers wearing jeans and sneakers have become a rare sight. Modern motorbike clothing has embraced high-tech developments. TÜV SÜD’s experts explain what to look out for when buying new bike leathers, and warn: Replace overalls immediately after an accident!

Germans drink around 140 l of mineral water per capita and year. According to a current TÜV SÜD survey, mineral water tops the list of the most popular thirst-quenching drinks – particularly in summer. TÜV SÜD's food experts explain the various qualities available and give tips for hot weather.

Efficiency, technology, reliability – in Europe’s largest long-term truck test, bestof9.eu, conducted by publisher Huss-Verlag with TÜV SÜD as its technical partner, nine trucks are undergoing continuous operation for a three-year period. After notching up almost 300,000 kilometres, it was recently time for the trucks’ second roadworthiness test. Summing up their findings, the experts in charge of testing reported numerous defects in lighting systems and wildly varying tyre pressure; two trucks failed the first round.